Best AI Code Tools

Claude Code vs Windsurf

Short answer: Claude Code is in CLI coding agents; Windsurf is in AI IDEs, so they solve different parts of the job. Both start at $20/month. Windsurf has a free plan; Claude Code does not.

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Claude CodeWindsurf
TypeCLI coding agentsAI IDEs
VendorAnthropicCognition
StatusActiveRenamed: Renamed Devin Desktop on 2026-06-02 (devin.ai/blog/windsurf-is-now-devin-desktop); windsurf.com redirects to devin.ai/desktop
Free planNo (Claude Free does not include Claude Code; "Claude Code is included in all paid plans.")Yes (Light agent quota, unlimited inline edits and Tab completions.)
Paid plans from$20/mo$20/mo
PlansPro: $20 · Max 5x: $100 · Max 20x: $200 · Team (standard seat): $25 · Team (premium seat): $125 · Enterprise: $20 (annual)Free: Free · Pro: $20 · Max: $200 · Teams: $80 · Enterprise: —
Open sourceNot verified yetNot verified yet
Editors named on vendor pageVS Code, JetBrains, terminal/CLI—
Features named on vendor pageMCP, self-hosting, code review, test generation, debugging, refactoring, SSO/SAMLcode review, code completion, background/cloud agents, Figma, refactoring, SSO/SAML
Model families namedClaudeClaude, OpenAI GPT, Gemini, Grok, open-weight models
CheckedOct 26, 2026Oct 26, 2026

“Named on vendor page” means the phrase appears on the vendor's own page we captured; it is not a hands-on test. Unknown values are left blank rather than guessed.

FAQ

Is Claude Code cheaper than Windsurf?

Both start at $20/month. Prices are from each vendor's pricing page.

Do Claude Code and Windsurf have free plans?

Windsurf has a free plan; Claude Code does not.

What is the difference between Claude Code and Windsurf?

Claude Code is in CLI coding agents; Windsurf is in AI IDEs, so they solve different parts of the job. Claude Code is made by Anthropic; Windsurf is made by Cognition. See the table for plans, editors and features each vendor names.

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